I think another problem is that if you do end up going the professional route, and learning a lot of good real-world application of the ideas, it is nearly impossible to go back into teaching. I have been looking into this a lot, because I would like to have summers with my children. But, I cannot take a semester and teach half-time without pay. I understand why they do this, but at the same time, it makes it hard for someone who relies on a salary to make the transition.
I think about this too, teaching in technology or computer science, but couldn't do it now for $ reasons. I console myself with the idea that I'd probably only be a b+ teacher at best!
